| |
|
Dear Friends,
|
|
This past weekend communities along the Gulf Coast were hit by Hurricane Hanna, including Hidalgo and Starr counties. In response to the destruction, FEMA declared a state of emergency, which allows for federal assistance to help these areas recover from property damage and address public health and safety concerns. I will continue to work with FEMA and the State of Texas to ensure our communities receive the necessary resources and support.
While in D.C., I helped secure significant victories for South Texas and other communities across America in H.R. 7608, the first “minibus” of fiscal year 2021 Appropriations bills. This bill totals $259.5 billion in funding and consists of four FY 2021 appropriations bills: State-Foreign Operations, Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA, Interior-Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. I also held a press conference discussing emergency federal relief packages for local governments and public schools.
In the district, my staff volunteered at food distribution sites, as well as took part in census events.
As your representative, I want to keep you up-to-date and informed throughout this pandemic. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay informed with the latest news.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 'Conversation with Cuellar' to Discuss Emergency COVID-19 Funding |
|
On Thursday, July 23 rd, I held a press conference discussing the urgent need to provide direct emergency funding to local governments and public schools in past and future COVID-19 packages. As of now, the state is holding onto $7.2 billion in federal funds from the CARES Act and roughly $1.2 billion of that funding should have been distributed to local school districts. If we expect for our schools to safely reopen, we must equip them with the financial resources to do so. Our communities need help now.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar.
To watch the press conference, click here.
|
Rep. Cuellar Serves as Speaker Pro Temp
On July 20th, I had the honor serving as Speaker Pro Temp during the debates over the National Defense Authorization Act. This annual legislation provides funding for the U.S. military to ensure that our troops have what they need to defend our nation. Within the NDAA, I added an amendment that strengthens the support system for the 200,000 service members who transition to civilian life each year.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar.
Laredo Regional Food Bank Distribution
This past week my Laredo district office volunteered with the Laredo Regional Food Bank at two of their distribution sites in El Cenizo and Laredo. In total Team Cuellar helped serve around 1,500 people by providing food relief during these difficult times. Thank you to all those involved in helping distribute much needed aid to local families. This pandemic has impacted all of us one way or another, but together we will overcome it.
Pictured is Laredo staff and interns.
Rio Grande City EDC: Census Parade
On Thursday, July 24th, my Outreach Coordinator Nicolas Cruz, attended the Rio Grande City EDC: Census Parade. While there, he helped raise awareness on why submitting your results are critical to shaping the future of our district. Let's make sure that our entire community is fully represented and has access to adequate federal funding. Given the current public health crisis, one of the safest ways to respond is by phone:
- English: 844-330-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
|
Intern Spotlight: Anthony Martinez
|
|
In this week's "Intern Spotlight" meet Anthony Martinez. Anthony interned in my Laredo district office, where he predominately assisted with media. Anthony is from my hometown, Laredo, TX, where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class at Garcia Early College High School. Anthony will attend Texas A&M this fall, pursuing a major in communications. His dream is to be a news anchor for a major media outlet and I look forward to one day seeing him achieve this! Throughout his internship, Anthony has learned more about interacting with the media through advisories and press releases, he's sharpened his graphic creation skills and gained a better understanding of political terminology. Thank you for all your hard work Anthony and we wish you continued success on your journey at Texas A&M. Gig ‘em!
|
Coronavirus Resource Handbook
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook provides an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and first responders.
Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have any questions about the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, click here.
The Data's In...And We're Behind On the 2020 Census
As of July 20th, our district has a response rate of 48.7%. Unfortunately, this is only a .3% improvement from last week and we're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 57.3%. We are still considerably behind the states responses. In order to improve these numbers, we must make suret that every man, woman, and child living in TX-28 is properly accounted for. You can complete the census form, by clicking here. Or you can complete it by phone: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive the paper form.
| This Week's Grant Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see this week's edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.
|
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: I Think or Know I had COVID-19, and I had Symptoms. When Can I Be With Others?
|
| |
Many individuals have either experienced or think they have experienced COVID-19 symptoms. It's important that we continue to follow CDC guidelines in our daily routines and do our part in slowing the spread of this virus.
In this week's video, the CDC emphasizes the importance in staying home if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
|
|
|
Take My Latest Survey
|
| CONNECT |
|
| LATEST NEWS |
7/27, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo chosen for potential COVID-19 vaccine study
7/27, WOAI: San Antonio one of several South Texas areas where COVID-19 vaccine will be tested
7/27, KGNS: Cuellar calls for more COVID-19 relief funding for schools
7/26, KVEO: FEMA approves Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas
7/25, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: State of Texas is ‘hoarding’ $7.5 billion in CARES Act funding
7/23, Border Report: Border lawmakers push for ‘binational strategy’ in COVID-19 relief measures
7/22, KVEO: House committee OKs $500K to help ranchers continue grazing cattle along Rio Grande
7/20, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar announces additional resources to help during pandemic
7/20, FOX San Antonio: Rep. Cuellar announces more than $2.6 million in funding for San Antonio first responders
7/18, Laredo Morning Times: Battle for the border
7/18, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo to receive funds for new air and marine hangar
7/17, Nexstar: Texas lawmakers fear businesses along U.S. border could suffer with extended travel restrictions
7/16, Missouri Times: Opinion: America needs more options for meat processing
7/14, Rio Grande Guardian: Podcast: Cuellar hosts virtual meeting of US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group
7/10, Border Report: IBWC demands water Mexico owes US, otherwise Texas ranchers, communities ‘suffer’
7/10, The Monitor: Lawmakers request more funds, field hospital from federal government
7/9, The Monitor: Rep. Cuellar announces funding plans for new federal courthouse
7/9, KVEO: Congressman Cuellar announces funding for ports of entry
7/7, KVEO: $9.4 million dollars goes to Texas Workforce Commission to help with unemployment
|
|
|
|
| NEWSLETTER |
|
Sign Up for My Newsletter
|
|
